How they fared in Maputo

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The Zebras put up a spirited performance when they beat hosts Mozambique 2-1 in the 2010 World Cup/African Nations Cup qualifiers at the newly refurbished Machava Stadium on Sunday. Sports Editor TSHEPO MOLWANE, who was in Maputo with the team, looks at how each individual player performed and rates them on a 10-point scale.

Modiri Marumo - 9
He deserves the man of the match recognition for putting up a solid performance, which earned the Zebras an unexpected three points. Marumo led by example and his acrobatic saves inspired his teammates to go for broke. His telling saves from Almiro Lobo and Dario Monteiro late in the second half made a huge difference. His performance has given the team hope after a bad start to the qualifiers.
 
Mompati Thuma - 8
He is one loyal servant for his country and never disappoints. Despite his slim body structure, Thuma matched his opponent Monteiro to the last minute. His tackles were clean and should go all the way to help the Zebras as they prepare for two daunting games against Ivory Coast in less than seven days.
 
Nelson Gabolwelwe - 7
Despite a sluggish start to the game earlier on, Gabolwelwe bounced back and put up an impressive performance. If he was not tired towards the end of the first half, he could have sealed the victory for the visitors. But instead of taking a shot at goal, he elected to cross to Pontsho Moloi and Tshepo Motlhabankwe who both wasted the chance. Good going mate.
 
Ernest Amos - 7
After coming under heavy criticism from local supporters after the 0-0 draw against Madagascar, Amos showed class away from home. He performed his duties to the last minute and managed to effectively police Apson Manjate who was a constant menace to the Zebras' defence.
 
Ndiyapo Letsholathebe - 7
A solid performance at the heart of the defence and always covered for his team-mates when caught off guard. But he needs a bit of improvement in the physical part of the game. He is no longer Letsholathebe who was a rock before going to the US.
 
Michael Mogaladi - 6
A good all-round performance especially when dealing with dangerous Elias Pelembe but the only problem with Mogaladi is that he tended to hold onto the ball for too long, when a pass to a team-mate could have made all the difference. Lost possession in a dangerous area in the second half but fortunately his team-mates cleared the danger.
 
Boitumelo Mafoko - 8
A down-to-earth workaholic, who carries out his duties to the last minute. Covered all the field and made some special interventions. Scored an important goal, which gave the Zebras victory away from home. Keep up the good performance mate.
 
Diphetogo Selolwane - 8
He remains one of our best players at the moment. Worked hard the whole afternoon and at times as a lone striker when the Zebras were under pressure. Scored a brilliant goal in the 30th minute when he showed character and composure at the highest level. The Zebras need such a performance from you mate when the going gets tough.
 
Tshepo Motlhabankwe - 6
By his standards, not an impressive performance from Motlhabankwe. He hardly put a cross into the box on the day but did well to carry out his defensive duties. Could have capped the performance with a goal late in the first half. Still an important member of the squad.

Pontsho Moloi - 7
Continues to show that he is a man for the big stage. Pontsho was never intimidated by his opponents and competed with them. He at times tried his magic when the going was getting tough but failed to find the opening.
 
Malepa Bolelang - 6
A surprise inclusion in the starting line-up but did not disappoint. He deserves another run in the team especially against rampaging Ivory Coast.

Editor's Comment
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